Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

The readings from today do not sit well with me. Much of the language used is not language that I easily associate with God. Thus, it has caused me to pause and to really consider what these readings mean in light of the current signs of our time.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that he has not “come to establish peace… but rather division.” There is a lot in this world that divides us. Some of this division is good – like the division of labor allows people to become experts in fields and harmonious in accomplishing tasks as a community. We are a much better world for having some people who are dedicated to educating our children while others pour their skills into building safe bridges and highways.

But, there is also plenty of division that does not support the building of the community we are called to be. As I continue to reflect on the division in our world, it is hard for me to imagine that this is how God wants us to live with each other.

As I pray with this scripture passage about Jesus coming to bring division, rather than peace, I am not sure how to reflect on that in light of our current time. But, I do hold on to the light of hope brought about through work and relationship across division.